Melalgus plicatus
This record describes Melalgus plicatus (species). Recorded family: Bostrichidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very distinct by peculiar sculpture of the [male's] elytra. The grooves extend about one-fourth the width of the elytra, and are wider than the interspaces between them, and very deep; they are from twelve to fifteen in number; the posterior declivity of the elytra is margined for almost its entire length females lack these grooves: The males and females are so dimorphic that LeConte described them as separate spp. in the same paper!! Type Locality: One specimen, Texas; Mr. Belfrage Type Locality of Polycaon obliquus LeConte 1874 also one specimen, Texas; Mr. Belfrage!
Wikipedia reference for Melalgus plicatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melalgus_plicatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Bostrichidae (Horned Powder-post Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Polycaoninae
- Genus
- Melalgus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AR-OK-TX / e.Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , most records in TX
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Melalgus plicatus (LeConte)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Melalgus plicatus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Melalgus plicatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Melalgus plicatus
What is Melalgus plicatus?
Melalgus plicatus is a species in the family Bostrichidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Melalgus plicatus?
Very distinct by peculiar sculpture of the [male's] elytra. The grooves extend about one-fourth the width of the elytra, and are wider than the interspaces between them, and very deep; they are from twelve to fifteen in number; the posterior declivity of the elytra is margined for almost its entire length females lack these grooves: The males and females are so dimorphic that LeConte described them as separate spp. in the same paper!!
Where is Melalgus plicatus found?
Range: AR-OK-TX / e.Mex. - Map ( 3 ) ( 4 ) , most records in TX